Generous public should make sure donations go to genuine charities supporting the victims in Manchester, says charity regulator

Make sure donations go to genuine charities supporting the victims in Manchester, says charity regulator

The Charity Commission is encouraging people wishing to support the victims of this week’s terrorist attack in Manchester to donate to a genuine charitable appeal.

It says that the great British public are always generous in their support for charities and this has already been reflected via the many giving sites set up to support the victims and families of the appalling attacks in Manchester.

The Charity Commission, Greater Manchester Police, the British Red Cross, and the Lord Mayor of Manchester are urging people wishing to help to give to the We love Manchester appeal, launched by the Lord Mayor of Manchester’s Charitable Appeal Trust or to other registered charities.

The British Red Cross, which has been active on the ground in Manchester and has extensive experience of coordinating large fundraising operations, is supporting the appeal. Other genuine appeals launched to support people in Manchester are understood to now be pointing people towards the We love Manchester fund. The Manchester Evening News, who launched the We Stand Together, have joined forces with the We Love Manchester Emergency Fund.

The fund will support people who have been injured or bereaved by the attack. Donations will help alleviate suffering and ensure victims and their families do not face short-term financial difficulties. The Commission is taking the unusual step of encouraging people wishing to give to donate to the We love Manchester fund to reduce the risk of fraud and ensure funds donated reach those they are intended for.

The Fundraising Regulator, which regulates charity fundraising, has joined calls for the public to give safely.

David Holdsworth, Registrar of Charities for England & Wales and Chief Operating Officer at the Charity Commission said: “The British public are incredibly generous, especially in response to supporting those at times of suffering and need. Sadly, during such periods of especially generous giving, there are a small minority of those who seek to exploit that goodwill for fraudulent, selfish purposes. That is why we are encouraging people who wish to donate to give to the We love Manchester fund, launched by the Lord Mayor of Manchester’s Charitable Appeal Trust, to ensure that these funds reach those affected by the appalling attack in Manchester”.

The Lord Mayor of Manchester, Councillor Eddy Newman said: "I have been overwhelmed by all the support coming from across the world to help those affected by this terrible tragedy. People across the globe have been struck by our city's defiance and resilience and want to help. It will make a real difference to those affected. Thank you."

Mike Adamson, Chief Executive of the British Red Cross, says: “The We Love Manchester appeal is being run in partnership by the British Red Cross and Manchester City Council. The funds raised will go to people affected by the devastating attack at Manchester Arena earlier this week. We have already seen a huge outpouring of support, and we encourage the public to keep giving generously to help ensure victims and their families get the help they need".

Stephen Dunmore, Chief Executive of the Fundraising Regulator, says: “It is vital that the public has confidence their money is going where it’s intended. That’s why we are recommending that those who wish to give donate to the We love Manchester appeal, or to another registered charity.”

In light of concerns about fraud, the Charity Commission is taking the unusual step of recommending people to give to a specific charitable appeal, supported by a number of charities. However, the Commission does not endorse individual charities. It reminds people that there are quick and simple ways of checking that an appeal is from a registered charity.

Check before you give – Charity Commission advice:

• If you do not wish to give to the recommended appeal, make sure you are still giving to a registered charity. Do to this, check for a charity registration number. You can verify this on the online register of charities.
• Be more cautious about people collecting for general charitable causes, such as ‘for sick children’ – make sure you’re giving to a registered charity.
• When approached by collectors, check whether they are wearing a proper ID badge and that any collection tin is sealed and undamaged.
• If in doubt, ask the collector for more information - a genuine fundraiser should be happy to answer questions and explain more about the work of the charity.
• Never feel under pressure by a fundraiser into making a donation immediately.